The Los Angeles Rams dug deep and found a new quarterback. According to several sources, the Rams have signed free agent QB Carson Wentz. The former No. 2 overall pick in 2016 last outfit for Washington and was left on the sidelines during the offseason.
Wentz started seven games for the Commanders last year, winning only two, totaling 1,755 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The previous season in Indianapolis was much better, but when the team failed to make the playoffs, losing its final two games, owner Jim Irsasy had seen enough of Wentz and sent him packing.
Looking back at the 2016 draft, Wentz was considered a franchise QB who would one day be one of the best in the NFL. Well, that day never came and Wentz is now considered a failure. Some might call him a failure, but he had a few good seasons where it looked like he was going to turn the corner.
One of the biggest factors for Wentz on every team he has played for in the NFL is the lack of leadership and overall attitude. There’s just something about Wentz that turned most people off at his three stops. With the Colts, it might have been more due to Irsay’s impatience, but either way it didn’t work, and Wentz was done after one campaign.
So for the Rams to get Wentz back, it has to be bad. Although Matt Stafford is injured, he could return for Los Angeles’ Week 11 matchup with Seattle, according to reports. Stafford missed Sunday’s loss to Green Bay with a thumb injury. Brett Rypien subbed in and the offense scored a field goal. Have a veteran, former holder and Pro Bowler as Wentz on the list gives the coaching staff more confidence if Stafford misses more games.
This is Wentz’s third and second chance to stay in the league’s good graces. Since the Rams are off in Week 10, this will give Wentz the chance to get caught up on the playbook in case Stafford can’t go the following week. Wentz may not give this organization the best chance, but experience should count for something. And every time Wentz steps on the field with the Rams, it should be seen as a showcase for the rest of the NFL.
Baker Mayfield was able to negotiate his backup duty with the Rams last season in a starting role in Tampa Bay. Mayfield had a good game for the Rams in four starts and everyone was losing their minds like he was the second coming of something great. This is how Wentz should approach this opportunity if he wants to have another chance to start in this league next season.